]]>http://www.ymcabahamas.com/2016/03/easter-camp-set-march-23-2016/feed/0391YMCA Day Carehttp://www.ymcabahamas.com/2016/03/ymca-day-care/
http://www.ymcabahamas.com/2016/03/ymca-day-care/#respondTue, 01 Mar 2016 16:42:45 +0000http://www.ymcabahamas.com/?p=385 The YMCA Day Care is a nurturing, fun and stimulating environment for your child to develop and grow. Certified instructors on board with many years of experience. Limited space, call us today to secure your child’s seat. OPEN Monday-Friday: 8:30am- 5:30pm Ages: 1-4 Years $40.00 per week

]]>http://www.ymcabahamas.com/2016/03/two-months-special-fitness-center-now-61-50/feed/0383YMCA is proud to announce the start of its Flag Football Programmehttp://www.ymcabahamas.com/2016/03/ymca-proud-announce-start-flag-football-programme/
http://www.ymcabahamas.com/2016/03/ymca-proud-announce-start-flag-football-programme/#respondTue, 01 Mar 2016 16:01:37 +0000http://www.ymcabahamas.com/?p=376The YMCA is proud to announce the start of its Flag Football Programme. We have been located in Freeport, Grand Bahama for over 30 years now, and majorly contributed to combating crime on the island of Grand Bahama, building and supporting sports programmes and fulfill our Christian mission operating under the mean of our 4 […]

]]>The YMCA is proud to announce the start of its Flag Football Programme. We have been located in Freeport, Grand Bahama for over 30 years now, and majorly contributed to combating crime on the island of Grand Bahama, building and supporting sports programmes and fulfill our Christian mission operating under the mean of our 4 core values; which is caring, honesty, respect and responsibility. We also believe in partnering with other local organizations to bring forth positive change to the greater community.

Although the YMCA is still in its recovery state from the devastating hurricane of 2004, we challenge ourselves to be a beacon of light for the communities of Grand Bahama. We see how far we have come in making a positive impact in the lives of Grand Bahamians and look forward to doing even more. We are committed to the development of the Bahamian community in spirit, mind and body, and wish to move forward in promoting social justice and peace.

On March 26th, 2016 is the tentative date of start for our programme and will be ending June 11th, 2016. This programme is geared to exposing our families as a whole to the game of Flag Football. There will be three divisions, Youth, Women and Co-Ed. The Youth programme will be played 5 on 5 no contact, Women programme 8 on 8 semi contact and the Co-ed programme 7 on 7 no contact. Games will be played between the hours of 12:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. on Saturdays.

Geared at assisting the community support facility, and reduce its electrical operations cost which totaled $130,000.00 in 2012, the project proved to be quite successful, Pinder-Johnson revealed.

“The YMCA has always grappled with its electrical bill. In fact, at one point the organization acquired arrears totaling approximately $50,000.00.

“Immediately, the Board of the YMCA met to discuss a plan of action regarding ways in which the facility could be outfitted that would generate energy savings and efficiency.

“Following consultation with electricity experts, it was decided that replacing all 270 plus incandescent light bulbs in the YMCA to LED (energy efficient) light bulbs would be beneficial in meeting the challenge of reducing the electrical bill.

“GBPA greatly assisted the YMCA in this effort, providing us the opportunity to do just that in a timely manner. Merchantec Limited & A/C Services were hired to complete the Energy Savings & Efficiency project which took them just over two months once the needed materials arrived on island.

“Additionally, energy savings apparatuses were installed between our breaker system, swimming pool pumps and concession stand areas, which allow for power stability, eliminating power fluctuation (spikes and dips) and ultimately, saving money on the electricity bill,” said Pinder-Johnson.

“GBPA, Sir Jack and corporate Grand Bahama, have gone above and beyond the call of duty to ensure the YMCA continues to serve the public, especially our youth and we truly appreciate their assistance.”

Pinder-Johnson also revealed that plans are underway to further reduce electrical costs by way of solar energy, especially where the air conditioning units are concerned.

“It has been suggested that solar powered timers be placed on our air conditioning units at the YMCA. This would ensure that power turns on and shuts off at appropriate intervals, rather than constantly running, to further facilitate energy efficiency. We are doing what we can to ensure this is also done in a timely fashion.

“Again the YMCA cannot thank GBPA enough for assisting us in this venture. Personally, I recall when I became a part of the YMCA family in 1986, GBPA and Sir Jack Hayward’s names were synonymous with this facility as two of our biggest supporters. Actually, it is because of them that the doors of the YMCA did not permanently close following the hurricanes of 2004.

“So we thank GBPA’s Donation Committee for its support in facilitating this Energy Savings & Efficiency project and look forward to their continued partnership in the future,” Pinder-Johnson added.

As the YMCA continues to play a vital role in building the community of Grand Bahama, Dr. Smith revealed GBPA’s elation to assist in the project stating, “We are indeed pleased to facilitate the Energy Savings & Efficiency project here at the YMCA.

“We recognize that the YMCA, through its programmes particularly sports, continues to help build our communities and the youth of Grand Bahama island.

“Hence, GBPA is pleased to lend support to the YMCA as it continues to foster positive development within the Grand Bahama community.”

For further information about the YMCA programmes and activities telephone 352-7074/5 or visit www.ymcabahamas.com.

]]>140Save The Bays supports YMCA Learn to Swim SOS programhttp://www.ymcabahamas.com/2013/12/save-the-bays-supports-ymca-learn-to-swim-sos-program/
Wed, 18 Dec 2013 16:36:00 +0000http://www.ymcabahamas.com/?p=143Declaring it was proud to help impart lifesaving skills to children growing up on an island surrounded by water, the fast-growing environmental movement Save The Bays today presented a substantial grant to the YMCA SOS Learn to Swim program in Grand Bahama. The contribution will pave the way for thousands of children to take an […]

]]>Declaring it was proud to help impart lifesaving skills to children growing up on an island surrounded by water, the fast-growing environmental movement Save The Bays today presented a substantial grant to the YMCA SOS Learn to Swim program in Grand Bahama.

The contribution will pave the way for thousands of children to take an in-the-water course that could save lives.

Some 13,000 pre-school and primary school students have already benefitted from the SOS (Swim for Ocean Survival) course, according to Grand Bahama YMCA Executive Director Karon Johnson, and this contribution will enable even more.

“We can’t thank Save the Bays enough for seeing the importance of this program,” said Johnson. “The course is designed to teach kids to survive, first and foremost, in an underwater situation. As they get older we work to introduce them to opportunities provided by competitive swimming and thirdly, we want to them to have the skills to enjoy our marine environment so they don’t have a fear of the sea.”

Overcoming fear and appreciating the beauty of the underwater world, said Save The Bays education officer and a director of the YMCA Joseph Darville, is one of the reasons Save The Bays selected the YMCA SOS program as its newest partner.

“It is with tremendous joy and satisfaction that I, on behalf of Save The Bays, present this grant to the Grand Bahama YMCA,” said Darville. “As Executive Program Vice-Chairman of the YMCA, I know firsthand the outstanding and unparalleled work this organization has done over the past 20 years in teaching thousands of our school children on Grand Bahama to swim. Additionally, over the past two years, the Anglican schools in Nassau have come on board and the program benefits their students as well. This is the only training course of its kind in The Bahamas.”

The SOS program runs twice a year, September through October and April through June, and caters to preschools and primary schools in Grand Bahama, private and public. Students are bused to the YMCA from school for hour long sessions.

The program was created to address the fact that despite that fact that The Bahamas is surrounded by water, many local children are unable to swim, partly because of a traditional fear of water-related accidents and partly because of the cost of swimming lessons.

“Thanks to companies, donors and organizations like Save The Bays we have been able to offer the program free of charge to the children of Grand Bahama,” said Johnson. Costs are also contained by part of the program falling within the Physical Education curriculum in schools.

“This is the only training course of its kind in The Bahamas, and we are extremely proud to be the body responsible for imparting lifesaving skills to multitudes of our children who live in an archipelagic nation,” says Darville. “This grant is indeed in line with the goal of the Save the Bays organization as it strives to conserve and preserve the beauty of these islands, terrestrial and marine and thus enable all children now and in the future to enjoy these islands both on land and in the sea.”

Since its launch in April, Save The Bays has gained more than 5,000 signatures on a petition calling for an environmental protection act, managed an awareness campaign that has opened the eyes of thousands to the delicate nature of the environment and formed partnerships with more than a dozen organisations with environmental interests and agendas.

]]>143Legacy Baseball/Softball Announces Development Camp Dateshttp://www.ymcabahamas.com/2012/10/legacy-baseballsoftball-announces-development-camp-dates/
Fri, 19 Oct 2012 15:41:00 +0000http://www.ymcabahamas.com/?p=145Grand Bahama’s Legacy Baseball/Softball Association has released the dates for its Fall Development Camp to be held at the YMCA. Eugene Thompson, President, advised that the camp will begin on October 20th at 1:00 pm and will be held each Saturday thereafter through December 15. The camp is open for baseball to boys 4-18, and […]

]]>Grand Bahama’s Legacy Baseball/Softball Association has released the dates for its Fall Development Camp to be held at the YMCA. Eugene Thompson, President, advised that the camp will begin on October 20th at 1:00 pm and will be held each Saturday thereafter through December 15. The camp is open for baseball to boys 4-18, and for softball to girls 6-18.

Thompson is urging parents to register their youngsters for 2013 season in either baseball and/or softball and ensure that they participate in the development camp.

“We’re pleased to have Coach Eric Albury together with Larry Russell and others spearheading this year’s development exercise that is geared to enhancing the skills of returning players, and teaching first time players the basics and fundamentals of the game.

“Our softball programme for girls gets going on the same date and again it is geared to new and returning players and is being coordinated by Miss Nerissa Lockhart and her coaching corp. Legacy’s softball programme has been adjusted with emphasis being moved to the schools softball season to ensure greater participation and development opportunities for young girls,” said Thompson.

The President also announced the reaffirming of Legacy’s partnership with the YMCA, one that will provide additional opportunities for Legacy players and coaches. High on the list is the availability to parents of the YMCA’s after school tutoring programme that will allow Legacy members to complete school assignments and homework under supervision before their team practices or games begin.

Mrs. Karon Johnson, Executive Director of the YMCA took the opportunity to congratulate the newly elected governing board of Legacy, noting, “I am confident that their expertise and commitment will not be wavered. The uniqueness that stands out with Legacy is the willingness of both administrators and parents working together for the betterment of the league, this in my mind speaks volume.

“The Y.M.C.A. is proud to have partnered with Legacy in its efforts to develop the whole child. Our after school programme is supervised with qualified teachers that will work to the ability level of each child, allowing them to progress at their own pace. The Y.M.C.A endorses Legacy baseball & softball and invites parents to register their little darlings today”.

“We’re pleased to have this facility available for our players”, said Mr. Thompson, “it is something that will help them from a young age to learn time management and more importantly, how to prioritize their activities.

“Other YMCA activities will become available for our players and coaches which will allow them to improve their skills.”

Nerissa Lockhart, VP Softball announced that effective October 20, 2012 the Legacy Softball Programme will also operate from the YMCA for all youth divisions up to the 16-18 Junior Division, which will continue to utilize the field at the sports complex.

“This will assist parents with children playing both baseball and softball to drop-off and pickup their youngsters from the same area, also giving them a chance to utilize the YMCA’s programmes,” said Miss Lockhart.

Legacy also announced plans to participate in three Bahamas Baseball Federation mini-tournaments in 2013 in the Family Islands in advance of the BBF Nationals in the Coach-Pitch, 9-10, and 11-12 Divisions, and to continue the exchange programme with the girls softball division of the Junior Baseball League of Nassau.

Registration for Legacy’s 2013 baseball and softball seasons is currently underway and applications are available at the YMCA and from Legacy officers.

]]>145ROM/YMCA Haiti Relief Family Fun Day a successhttp://www.ymcabahamas.com/2010/03/romymca-haiti-relief-family-fun-day-a-success/
Wed, 10 Mar 2010 13:18:01 +0000http://www.ymcabahamas.com/2010/03/romymca-haiti-relief-family-fun-day-a-success/(Freeport News article by Barbara Walkin) KARON PINDER-JOHNSON, YMCA executive director and Kenny Jr., were are the gate receiving can goods as entrance fee, for Reach Out Ministry and the YMCA Family Fun Day in aid of Haiti Relief. (Sports photos by ANDREW COAKLEY) Saturday was a busy day for athletes competing the first Reach […]

]]>(Freeport News article by Barbara Walkin) KARON PINDER-JOHNSON, YMCA executive director and Kenny Jr., were are the gate receiving can goods as entrance fee, for Reach Out Ministry and the YMCA Family Fun Day in aid of Haiti Relief.

(Sports photos by ANDREW COAKLEY)

Saturday was a busy day for athletes competing the first Reach Out Ministry (ROM)/YMCA Family Fun Day fundraiser for Haiti relief effort.

Organizers of the event were excited over the participation and the community support, said Dudley Seide, president on ROM. “We had a good turn-out and I want to thank the Grand Bahama community for showing their support, but I want to especially thank the pastors for coming out and putting on an exciting game.”

The feature game of the event was between the Bahamian and Haitian pastors. There was much bragging going on at the announcement of the Saturday’s event.

Bishop Joseph Hall Sr., said that the game would be “one that the Grand Bahama community would not want to miss.” Hall also predicted that the Bahamian pastors would win this first meeting between the men of the cloth from different nations.

His predication turned out to be right on par. The Bahamian pastors defeated their opponents 41-34, with Bishop Sobig Kemp, former president of the Grand Bahama Christian Council named as the MVP of the game.

Kemp scored 10 “solid” points in the win. At the other end, Nelson Vilburn had 15 points for the Haitian pastors.

In other games on the court Hudson Estate defeated Central Zion 28-22; Kross Town won over the YMCA 28-25; the Ghetto Cutter defeated Central Zion 24-12 and the Ghetto Cutters back on the court won over Youth In Action 31-27.

The game between ROM All Stars and Tabernacle Boys went into double overtime before Tabernacle Boys took the 37-34 win.

Then the Haitian-Bahamian All Stars took the one-point win (60-59) over the Bahamian All Stars.

Basketball was not the only event at the Family Fun Day. Athletes also competed in track and field, powerlifting, ladies soccer and volleyball.

In track and field Cardwell Cooper and Chico Thompson claimed victory in the U13 100m, 200m and Sr. Male 100m respectively.

In powerlifting David Vilburn won in the senior boys division with a 400lbs lift.

On the field, in ladies soccer action, Mary’s All Stars took on Freeport High. The All Stars came out on top in this one 2-1. In volleyball action the Youth In Action (A) won over Youth In Action (B).

There was also a senior men’s game (no results up to press time) and former YMCA executive director Terry Goldsmith and his boxer, also conducted exhibition bouts.

It was a time of unity, said Seide. “Where people from every nation came together to assist in the relief effort for Haiti,” Seide added.

“And again I want to thank everyone that came out, competed and made donations to this wonderful effort,” Seide added.

Of course Seide is looking for a rematch between the Haitian and Bahamian pastors.